SAM Transition

The authoritative unique entity identifier currently used by the federal government is the DUNS number. The DUNS number is a 9-character numeric value managed, granted and owned by Dun & Bradstreet. However, on April 4, 2022, the authoritative unique number used to identify organizations by the federal government will be the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI SAM). The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character alphanumeric value managed, granted and owned by the U.S. Federal Government.

The transition from the DUNS number to the UEI SAM is happening now. The DUNS number will remain the authoritative identifier until April 3, 2022.

This a federal government-wide initiative. The Office of Management and Budget has directed federal agencies/systems to complete their transition to UEI (SAM) no later than April 4, 2022, preparing all IAE systems to use the UEI number. The federal government is streamlining the entity registration process and making it easier for entities to do business with the federal government. The change simplifies the process of registering your organization to do business with the federal government. Entities will be assigned an identifier during registration or can request one at SAM.gov without needing to register. You will not need to go to a third party outside of SAM to obtain an identifier or to get help.

The DUNS numbers will continue to be collected on GMS; however, UEIs will need to be updated as the deadline draws closer. More information for this GMS amendment is slated to be released in March. Stay tuned.